Systems and methods for controlling and monitoring inflatable perfusion enhancement apparatus for mitigating contact pressure

ABSTRACT

Introduced here are methods, apparatuses, and systems for mitigating the contact pressure applied to a human body by the surface of an object, such as a chair, bed, or table. A pressure-mitigation apparatus can include a series of chambers whose pressure can be individually varied. When placed between a patient and a contact surface, a controller can vary the contact pressure on the human body by controllably inflating one or more chambers, deflating one or more chambers, or any combination thereof. By monitoring the pressure in each chamber over time, the controller can also gain an enhanced understanding of movement(s) performed by the human body when positioned on the pressure-mitigation apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/363,094, filed May 20, 2019, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/736,758, filed onSep. 26, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/690,206, filedJun. 26, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/647,551,filed Mar. 23, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates generally to apparatuses, systems, andmethods for controlling and monitoring inflatable perfusion enhancementapparatuses that mitigate contact pressure applied to a human body by asupport surface.

BACKGROUND

Pressure injuries (sometimes referred to as “decubitus ulcers,”“pressure ulcers,” “pressure sores,” or “bedsores”) typically occur as aresult of steady pressure applied in one location along a surface of thehuman body such as, for example, the sacrum. Pressure injuries are mostcommon in individuals who are mobility-impaired or immobilized (e.g., ina wheelchair or a bed, or on an operating table) for prolonged periodsof time. Oftentimes these individuals are older, malnourished, and/orincontinent, all factors that predispose the human body to pressureinjury formation. Because these individuals are often not ambulatory,they may sit or lie for prolonged periods of time in the same position.Moreover, these individuals often are unable to reposition themselves toalleviate the pressure. Consequently, the pressure on the skin and softtissue eventually causes ischemia or inadequate blood flow to the area,thereby resulting in breakdown of the skin and tissue damage. Pressureinjuries can result in a superficial injury to the skin, or a deeperfull-thickness ulcer that exposes underlying tissues and places theindividual at risk for infection. The resulting infection may worsen,leading to sepsis, or even death in some cases.

There are various pressure technologies on the market for preventingpressure injuries. However, conventional alternating pressuretechnologies have many deficiencies, including the inability to controlthe spatial relationship between an individual and a support surface.Consequently, individuals using conventional alternating pressuretechnologies may still develop pressure injuries or suffer from relatedcomplications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore,components may be shown as transparent in certain views for the purposeof illustration, rather than to indicate that the component isnecessarily transparent. Any headings provided herein are forconvenience only.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are top and bottom views, respectively, of apressure-mitigation apparatus configured in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top and bottom views, respectively, of apressure-mitigation apparatus configured in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a pressure-mitigation apparatus configured inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a partially schematic top view of a pressure-mitigationapparatus illustrating varied pressure distributions for avoidingischemia for a mobility-impaired patient in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology.

FIG. 5A is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationapparatus for relieving pressure on a specific anatomical region bychamber deflation in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 5B is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationapparatus for relieving pressure on a specific anatomical by chamberinflation in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 6A-6C are isometric, front, and back views, respectively, of acontroller device (for initiating chamber inflation and/or deflation fora pressure-mitigation device in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating exemplary components of acontroller configured in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a manifold for controlling fluid flow tochambers of a pressure-mitigation apparatus in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9 is an electrical diagram illustrating piezoelectric valves of amanifold for separately controlling fluid flow along multiple channelsin accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 10 is a table illustrating a sequence for inflating chambers of apressure-mitigation apparatus in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process for varying the pressure inchambers of a pressure-mitigation apparatus in accordance withembodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process for establishing characteristicsof a human body supported by a pressure-mitigation apparatus inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 13 is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationsystem for orienting an individual over a pressure-mitigation apparatusin accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a processing system in which atleast some operations described herein can be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Pressure injuries (also referred to a “pressure ulcers” or “ulcers”) arelocalized regions of damage to the skin and/or the underlying tissuethat result from contact pressure (or simply “pressure”) on thecorresponding anatomical region of the body. Pressure injuries oftenform over bony prominences, such as the skin and soft tissue overlyingthe sacrum, coccyx, heels, or hips. However, other sites (e.g., theelbows, knees, ankles, shoulders, abdomen, back, or cranium) may also beaffected. Generally, pressure injuries develop when pressure is appliedto blood vessels in soft tissue, which at least partially obstructsblood flow to the soft tissue (e.g., when the pressure exceeds thecapillary filling pressure) and causes ischemia at the pressure site foran extended duration. Therefore, pressure injuries often occur inindividuals who are mobility-impaired, immobilized, or sedentary forprolonged periods of times. Once a pressure injury forms, the healingprocess is typically slow. For example, when pressure is relieved fromthe site of the pressure injury, the body rushes blood (includingproinflammatory mediators) to that region to perfuse the area. Thesudden reperfusion of the damaged, previously ischemic region has beenshown to cause an inflammatory response, brought on by theproinflammatory mediators, that can actually worsen the originalpressure injury and prolongs recovery. Further, depending on the patientand the pressure injury, the proinflammatory mediators may spreadthrough the blood stream beyond the site of the pressure injury to causea systematic inflammatory response. This secondary inflammatory responsecaused by the proinflammatory mediators has been shown to exacerbateexisting conditions or trigger additional ailments, thereby slowingrecovery. Moreover, recovery time can be prolonged by numerous factorsoften associated with individuals prone to pressure injuries, such asold age, immobility, preexisting medical conditions (e.g.,arteriosclerosis, diabetes, or infection), smoking, and/or medications(e.g., anti-inflammatory drugs). Thus, preventing or reducing pressureinjury formation (and reducing proinflammatory mediators) can enhanceand expedite many treatment processes for individuals, especially thosewho are mobility-impaired during the course of treatment.

Introduced here, therefore, are systems and methods for controlling andmonitoring inflatable perfusion enhancement apparatuses that mitigatecontact pressure applied to a human body by a support surface. Acontroller device (also referred to as a “controller”) can befluidically coupled to a pressure-mitigation apparatus (also referred toas a “pressure-mitigation device” or a “pressure-mitigation pad”) thatincludes a series of selectively inflatable chambers (also referred toas “cells”). When the pressure-mitigation apparatus is placed between ahuman body and a support surface (also referred to as a “contactsurface”), the controller device can continuously and intelligentlycirculate air through the pressure mitigation apparatus. The controllerdevice causes one or more chambers of the pressure-mitigation device toselectively inflate, deflate, or any combination thereof.

By controllably varying the pressure in the series of chambers, thecontroller device can move the main point of pressure applied by thesupport surface to various different regions across the human body. Forexample, following deployment of the pressure-mitigation apparatus, thecontroller device can move the main point(s) of pressure applied by thesupport surface amongst a plurality of predetermined locations bysequentially varying the level of inflation of and, therefore, pressurein different predetermined subsets of inflatable chambers. In someembodiments, the controller controls pressure beneath specific anatomiclocations of the patient for specific durations in order to movepressure points around the anatomy in a precise manner such thatspecific portions of the anatomy (e.g., tissue adjacent bonyprominences) have minimal pressure applied for predetermined periods oftime. This continuous or intermittent relocation of the pressurepoint(s) avoids vascular compression for sustained periods of time and,therefore, inhibits ischemia and ultimately reduces the incidence ofpressure injuries.

In addition, the controller device can provide various differentfeatures and functions that provide for and enhance dynamic control ofthe pressure-mitigation device. For example, the controller device maybe configured to auto-detect the type of pressure-mitigation deviceattached thereto and configure the pressure mitigationinflation-deflation protocol for that type of device.

The controller device can also provide alerts to the patient,caregivers, and others related to the functionality of thepressure-mitigation device and patient monitoring (e.g., improper usage,compliance to treatment protocol). In some embodiments, for example, thecontroller device can also detect patient motion on the pressuremitigation device by remotely monitoring the pressures within the airchambers, and then use this information to determine information inreal-time regarding patient movement and patient location on the device.

Specific details of several embodiments of the present technology aredescribed herein with reference to FIGS. 1A-14. Although many of theembodiments are described herein with respect to systems, apparatuses,and methods for controlling inflatable perfusion enhancement apparatusesand associated systems and methods for alleviating the pressure appliedto a human body (e.g., a patient, individual, or subject) in a certainposition (e.g., the supine position) by a support surface (e.g., amattress), other embodiments in addition to those described herein arewithin the scope of the present technology. For example, at least someembodiments of the present technology may be useful for alleviating thepressure applied to a human body in a sitting position. In suchembodiments, the chambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus may bedifferent sizes, in different arrangements, and/or otherwise differ fromthe chambers of pressure-mitigation apparatuses for patients oriented ina supine position. Additionally, or alternatively, the chambers of thepressure-mitigation apparatus may be inflated in a different order, withdifferent pressures, for different durations, and/or otherwise have adifferent inflation pattern than those of pressure-mitigationapparatuses for patients oriented in a supine position.

It should be noted that other embodiments in addition to those disclosedherein are within the scope of the present technology. For example,components, configurations, and/or procedures shown or described withrespect to one embodiment can be combined with or replace thecomponents, configurations, and/or procedures described in otherembodiments. Further, embodiments of the present technology can havedifferent components, configurations, and/or procedures than those shownor described herein. Moreover, a person of ordinary skill in the artwill understand that embodiments of the present technology can haveconfigurations, components, and/or procedures in addition to those shownor described herein, and that these and other embodiments can be withoutseveral of the configurations, components, and/or procedures shown ordescribed herein without deviating from the present technology.

Selected Embodiments of Pressure-Mitigation Apparatuses

A pressure-mitigation apparatus includes a plurality of chambers orcompartments that can be individually controlled to vary the pressure ineach chamber and/or a subset of the chambers. When placed between ahuman body and a support surface, the pressure-mitigation apparatus canvary the pressure on an anatomical region by controllably inflating oneor more chambers, deflating one or more chambers, or any combinationthereof. Several examples of pressure-mitigation apparatuses aredescribed below with respect to FIGS. 1A-3. Unless otherwise noted, anyfeatures described with respect to one embodiment are equally applicableto the other embodiments. Some features have only been described withrespect to a single embodiment of the pressure-mitigation apparatus forthe purpose of simplifying the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are top and bottom views, respectively, of apressure-mitigation apparatus 100 for relieving pressure on a specificanatomical region applied by an elongated support surface in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology. The pressure-mitigationapparatus 100 can be used in conjunction with elongated supportsurfaces, such as mattresses, stretchers, operating tables, andprocedure tables. In some embodiments the pressure-mitigation apparatus100 is secured to a support surface using an attachment apparatus, whilein other embodiments the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 is placed indirect contact with the support surface (i.e., without any attachmentapparatus therebetween).

As shown in FIG. 1A, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 can include acentral portion 102 (also referred to as a “contact portion”) positionedalongside at least one side support 104. Here, a pair of side supports104 are arranged on opposing sides of the central portion 102. However,some embodiments of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 do not includeany side supports. For example, the side support(s) 104 may be omittedwhen the individual is medically immobilized (e.g., under anesthesia, ina medically induced coma, etc.) and/or physically restrained by theunderlying support surface (e.g., by rails along the side of a bed,armrests along the side of a chair) and/or other structures (e.g.,physical restraints holding down the patient, casts, etc.).

The pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 includes a series of chambers 106(also referred to as “cells”) whose pressure can be individually varied.In some embodiments, the series of chambers 106 are arranged in ageometric pattern designed to relieve pressure on one or more specificanatomical regions of a human body. As noted above, when placed betweenthe human body and a support surface, the pressure-mitigation apparatus100 can vary the pressure on the specific anatomical region(s) bycontrollably inflating chamber(s), deflating chamber(s), or anycombination thereof.

In some embodiments, the geometric pattern is designed to mitigatepressure on a specific anatomical region when the specific anatomicalregion is oriented over a target region 108 of the geometric pattern. Asshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the target region 108 may represent a centralpoint or portion of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 toappropriately position the person's anatomy with respect to thepressure-mitigation apparatus 100. For example, the target region 108may correspond to an epicenter of the geometric pattern. However, thetarget region 108 may not necessarily be the central point of thepressure-mitigation apparatus 100, particularly if thepressure-mitigation apparatus 100 is not symmetric. The target region108 may be marked so that an individual (e.g., a physician, nurse,caregiver, or the patient himself or herself) can readily align thetarget region 108 with a corresponding anatomical region of the humanbody to be positioned thereon.

The pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 can include a first portion 110(also referred to as a “first layer” or a “bottom layer”) designed toface a support surface and a second portion 112 (also referred to as a“second layer” or a “top layer”) designed to face the human bodysupported by the support surface. In some embodiments the first portion110 is directly adjacent to the support surface, while in otherembodiments the first portion 110 is directly adjacent to an attachmentapparatus designed to help secure the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100to the support surface. The pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 may beconstructed of a variety of materials, and the material(s) used in theconstruction of each component of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100may be chosen based on the nature of the body contact, if any, to beexperienced by the component. For example, because the second portion112 will often be in direct contact with the skin, it may be comprisedof a soft fabric or a breathable fabric (e.g., comprised ofmoisture-wicking materials or quick-drying materials, or havingperforations). In some embodiments, an impervious lining (e.g.,comprised of polyurethane) is secured to the inside of the secondportion 112 to inhibit fluid (e.g., sweat) from entering the series ofchambers 106. As another example, if the pressure-mitigation apparatus100 is designed for deployment beneath a cover (e.g., a bed sheet), thenthe second portion 112 may be comprised of a liquid-impervious, flexiblematerial, such as polyurethane, polypropylene, silicone, or rubber. Thefirst portion 110 may also be comprised of a liquid-impervious, flexiblematerial.

The series of chambers 106 may be formed via interconnections betweenthe first and second portions 110, 112 (e.g., either directly or via oneor more intermediary layers). In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1Aand 1B, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 includes an “M-shaped”chamber intertwined with two “C-shaped” chambers that face one another.Such an arrangement has been shown to effectively mitigate the pressureapplied to the sacral region of a human body in the supine position by asupport surface when the pressure in these chambers is alternated. Apressure-mitigation apparatus may have another arrangement of chambersif the pressure-mitigation apparatus is designed for an anatomicalregion other than the sacral region, or if the pressure-mitigationapparatus is to be used to support a human body in a non-supine position(e.g., a sitting position). Generally, the geometric pattern of thechambers 106 is designed based on the internal anatomy (e.g., themuscles, bones, and vasculature) of a specific anatomical region onwhich pressure is to be relieved.

The person using the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 and/or thecaregiver (e.g., a nurse, physician, etc.) will often be responsible foractively orienting the anatomical region of the patient lengthwise overthe target region 108 of the geometric pattern. However, the sidesupport(s) 104 may actively orient or guide the specific anatomicalregion of the human body laterally over the target region 108 of thegeometric pattern. In some embodiments the side support(s) 104 areinflatable, while in other embodiments the side support(s) 104 arepermanent structures that protrude from one or both lateral sides of thepressure-mitigation device 100. For example, at least a portion of eachside support may be stuffed with cotton, latex, polyurethane foam, orany combination thereof.

As further described below with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a controllerdevice can separately control the pressure in each chamber (as well asthe side supports 104, if included) by providing a discrete airflow viaone or more corresponding valves 114. In some embodiments, the valves114 are permanently secured to the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 anddesigned to interface with tubing that can be readily detached (e.g.,for easier transport, storage, etc.). Here, the pressure-mitigationapparatus 100 includes five valves 114. Three valves are fluidicallycoupled to the series of chambers 106, and two valves are fluidicallycoupled to the side supports 104. In other embodiments, thepressure-mitigation apparatus 100 includes more than five valves 114and/or less than five valves 114.

In some embodiments, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 includes oneor more structural feature(s) 116 a-c that enhance securement of thepressure-mitigation apparatus 100 to a support surface and/or anattachment apparatus. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, for example, thepressure-mitigation apparatus 100 can include three design feature(s)116 a-c, each of which can be aligned with a corresponding structuralfeature that is accessible along the support surface or the attachmentapparatus. For example, each design feature 116 a-c may be designed toat least partially envelope a structural feature that protrudes upward.The design feature(s) 116 a-c may also facilitate proper alignment ofthe pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 with the support surface or theattachment apparatus.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are top and bottom views, respectively, of apressure-mitigation apparatus 200 configured in accordance withembodiments of the present technology. The pressure-mitigation apparatus200 is generally used in conjunction with nonelongated support surfacesthat support individuals in a seated or partially erect position, suchas chairs (e.g., office chairs, examination chairs, recliners, andwheelchairs) and the seats included in vehicles and airplanes. As such,the pressure-mitigation apparatus 200 will often be positioned atopsupport surfaces that have side supports integrated into the supportitself (e.g., the side arms of a recliner or wheelchair). In someembodiments the pressure-mitigation apparatus 200 is secured to asupport surface using an attachment apparatus, while in otherembodiments the attachment apparatus is omitted such that thepressure-mitigation apparatus 200 directly contacts the underlyingsupport surface.

The pressure-mitigation apparatus 200 can include various featuresgenerally similar to the features of the pressure-mitigation device 100described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, thepressure-mitigation apparatus 200 may include a first portion 202 (alsoreferred to as a “first layer” or a “bottom layer”) designed to face thesupport surface, a second portion 204 (also referred to as a “secondlayer” or a “top layer”) designed to face the human body supported bythe support surface, and a plurality of chambers 206 formed viainterconnections between the first and second portions 202, 204. In thisembodiment, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 200 includes an “M-shaped”chamber 206 intertwined with a backward “J-shaped” chamber 206 and abackward “C-shaped” chamber 206. The alternating inflation/deflation ofsuch an arrangement of chambers 206 has been shown to effectivelymitigate the pressure applied by a support surface to the sacral regionwhen the human body is in a seated position.

The individual inflation/deflation of these chambers 206 can beperformed in a predetermined pattern and to predetermined pressurelevels. In some embodiments, for example, the individual chambers 206can be inflated to higher pressure levels than the chambers 206 of thepressure-mitigation apparatus 100 described with respect to FIGS. 1A and1B because the human body supported by the pressure-mitigation apparatus200 is in a seated position, thereby applying more pressure on thepressure-mitigation apparatus 200 than if the human body were supine orprone. Further, unlike the pressure mitigation device 100 of FIGS. 1Aand 1B, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B doesnot include side supports. As noted above, side supports may be omittedwhen the structure on which the individual is seated or reclined alreadyprovides components that laterally center the individual (e.g., railsalong the side of a bed, armrests along the side of a chair), as isoften the case with nonelongated support surfaces.

As further described below with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a controllerdevice can control the pressure in each chamber 206 by providing adiscrete airflow via one or more corresponding valves 208. Here, thepressure-mitigation apparatus 200 includes three valves 208, and each ofthe three valves 208 corresponds to a single chamber 206. In otherembodiments, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 200 may include onevalve, two valves, or more than three valves 208, and each valve 208 canbe associated with a specific chamber for individually controlledinflation and/or deflation of that chamber 206. In these and otherembodiments, a single valve 208 can be fluidically coupled to two ormore chambers 206. In these and other embodiments, a single chamber 206can be in fluid communication with two or more valves 208 (e.g., onevalve for inflation and another valve for deflation).

FIG. 3 is a top view of a pressure-mitigation apparatus 300 forrelieving pressure on a specific anatomical region applied by awheelchair in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Thepressure-mitigation apparatus 300 can include various features generallysimilar to the features of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 200 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B and the pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1Aand 1B described above. For example, the pressure-mitigation apparatus300 can include a first portion 302 (also referred to as a “first layer”or a “bottom layer”) designed to face the seat of the wheelchair (i.e.,the support surface), a second portion 304 (also referred to as a“second layer” or a “top layer”) designed to face the human bodysupported by the seat of the wheelchair, a plurality of chambers 306formed by interconnections between the first and second portions 302,304, and a plurality of valves 308 that control the flow of fluid intoand/or out of the chambers 306. In some embodiments the first portion302 is directly adjacent to the seat of the wheelchair, while in otherembodiments the first portion 302 is directly adjacent to an attachmentapparatus. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 300 mayinclude an “M-shaped” chamber 306 intertwined with a “U-shaped” chamber306 and a “C-shaped” chamber 306, which are inflated and deflated inaccordance with a predetermined pattern to mitigate the pressure appliedto the sacral region of a human body in a sitting position on the seatof a wheelchair.

FIG. 4 is a partially schematic top view of a pressure-mitigationapparatus 400 illustrating varied pressure distributions for avoidingischemia for a mobility-impaired patient in accordance with embodimentsof the present technology. As discussed above, when a human body issupported by a contact surface 402 for an extended duration, pressureinjuries may form in tissue overlaying bony prominences, such as theskin overlying the sacrum, coccyx, heels, or hips. These bonyprominences often represent the location or locations at which the mostpressure is applied by the contact surface 402 and, therefore, may bereferred to as the “main pressure point(s)” along the surface of thehuman body. To prevent the formation of pressure injuries, healthyindividuals periodically make minor positional adjustments (also knownas “micro-adjustments”) to shift the location of the main pressurepoint. However, individuals having impaired mobility often cannot makethese micro-adjustments by themselves. Mobility impairment may be due tophysical injury (e.g., a traumatic injury or a progressive injury),movement limitations (e.g., within a vehicle, on an aircraft, or inrestraints), medical procedures (e.g., those requiring anesthesia),and/or other conditions that limit an individual's natural movement. Forthese mobility-impaired individuals, the pressure-mitigation apparatus400 can be used to shift the location of the main pressure point(s) ontheir behalf. That is, the pressure mitigation apparatus 400 can createmoving pressure gradients to avoid sustained, localized vascularcompression and enhance tissue perfusion

As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 400 can include aseries of chambers 404 (also referred to as “cells”) whose pressure canbe individually varied. The chambers 404 may be formed byinterconnections between a first or bottom layer and a second or toplayer of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 400. The top layer may becomprised of a first material (e.g., an air-permeable, non-irritatingmaterial) configured for direct contact with a human body, while thebottom layer may be comprised of a second material (e.g., anon-air-permeable, gripping material) configured for direct contact withthe contact surface 402 or an attachment apparatus. In these and otherembodiments, the top layer and/or the bottom layer can be comprised ofmore than one material, such as a coated fabric or a stack ofinterconnected materials.

A pump, such as the pressure device 1314 described below with respect toFIG. 13, can be fluidically coupled to each chamber 404 (e.g., via acorresponding inlet valve), while a controller, such as the controller1312 described below with respect to FIG. 13, can control the flow offluid (e.g., air) generated by the pump into each chamber 404 on anindividual basis in accordance with a predetermined pattern. As furtherdescribed below, the pump and controller can operate the series ofchambers 404 in several different ways. In some embodiments, thechambers 404 have a naturally deflated state, and the controller causesthe pump to inflate at least one of the chambers 404 to shift the mainpressure point along the anatomy of the user. For example, the pump mayinflate at least one of the chambers 404 located directly beneath ananatomical region to momentarily apply contact pressure to thatanatomical region and relieve the contact pressure on the surroundinganatomical regions adjacent to the deflated chamber(s) 404. In these andother implementations, the controller may cause the pump to inflate twoor more chambers 404 adjacent to an anatomical region to create an openspace or void beneath the anatomical region to shift the main pressurepoint at least momentarily away from the anatomical region. In otherembodiments, the chambers 404 have a naturally inflated state, and thecontroller causes the pump to deflate at least one of the chambers 404to shift the main pressure point along the anatomy of the user. Forexample, the pump may be configured to deflate at least one of thechambers 404 located directly beneath an anatomical region, therebyforming a void beneath the anatomical region to momentarily relieve thecontact pressure on the anatomical region. Whether configured in anaturally deflated state or a naturally inflated state, the continuousor intermittent alteration of the inflation levels of the individualchambers 404 moves the location of the main pressure point acrossdifferent portions of the human body. As shown in FIG. 4, for example,inflating and/or deflating the chambers 404 creates temporary contactregions 406 that move across the pressure-mitigation apparatus 400 in apredetermined pattern, and thereby change the location of the mainpressure point(s) on the human body for finite intervals of time. Thus,the pressure-mitigation apparatus 400 can simulate the micro-adjustmentsmade by mobile individuals to relieve stagnant pressure applicationcaused by the contact surface 402.

As noted above, the series of chambers 404 may be arranged in ananatomy-specific pattern so that when the pressure within one or moreindividual chambers is altered, the contact pressure on a specificanatomical region of the human body is relieved (e.g., by shifting themain pressure point elsewhere). As shown in FIG. 4, for example, themain pressure point can be moved between eight different locationscorresponding to the eight temporary contact regions 406. In someembodiments the main pressure point shifts between these locations in apredictable manner (e.g., in a clockwise or counter-clockwise pattern),while in other embodiments the main pressure point shifts between theselocations in an unpredictable manner (e.g., in accordance with a randompattern, a semi-random pattern, and/or detected pressure levels). Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the quantity and position ofthese temporary contact regions 406 may vary based on the arrangement ofthe series of chambers 404, the anatomical region supported by thepressure-mitigation apparatus 400, the characteristics of the human bodysupported by the pressure mitigation apparatus 400, and/or the conditionof the user (e.g., whether the user is completely immobilized, partiallyimmobilized, etc.).

In some embodiments, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 400 does notinclude side supports because the condition of the user (also referredto as a “patient”) may not benefit from the positioning provided by theside supports. For example, side supports can be omitted when thepatient is medically immobilized (e.g., under anesthesia, in a medicallyinduced coma, etc.) and/or physically restrained by the underlyingsupport surface (e.g., rails along the side of a bed, arm rests on theside of a chair) and/or other structures (e.g., physically restraintsholding down the patient, casts, etc.).

FIG. 5A is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationapparatus 502 a for relieving pressure on a specific anatomical regionby chamber deflation in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. The pressure-mitigation apparatus 502 a can be positionedbetween a contact surface 500 (e.g., a bed, table, or chair) and a humanbody 504 and, to relieve pressure on a specific anatomical region of thehuman body 504, at least one chamber 508 a of a plurality of chambers(referred to collectively as “chambers 508”) proximate to the specificanatomical region at least partially deflates to create an open regionor void 506 a beneath the specific anatomical region. In suchembodiments, the remaining chambers 508 may remain inflated. Thus, thepressure-mitigation apparatus 502 a may sequentially deflate chambers508 (or arrangements of multiple chambers) to relieve the contactpressure applied to the human body 504 by the contact surface 500.

FIG. 5B is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationapparatus 502 b for relieving pressure on a specific anatomical bychamber inflation in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. For example, to relieve pressure at a specific anatomicalregion of the human body 504, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 502 bcan inflate two chambers 508 b and 508 c disposed directly adjacent tothe specific anatomical region to create a void 506 b beneath thespecific anatomical region. In such embodiments, the remaining chambersmay remain at least partially deflated. Thus, the pressure-mitigationapparatus 502 b may sequentially inflate a chamber (or arrangements ofmultiple chambers) to relieve the contact pressure applied to the humanbody 504 by the contact surface 500.

The pressure-mitigation apparatuses 502 a and 502 b of FIGS. 5A and 5Bare shown to be in direct contact with the contact surface 500. However,in some embodiments, an attachment apparatus is positioned between thepressure-mitigation apparatuses 502 a and 502 b and the contact surface500.

In some embodiments, the pressure-mitigation apparatuses 502 a and 502 bof FIGS. 5A and 5B can have the same configuration of chambers 508, andcan operate in both a normally inflated state (described with respect toFIG. 5A) and a normally deflated state (described with respect to FIG.5B) based on the selection of the operator (e.g., a medical professionalor the user). For example, the operator can use a controller to select anormally deflated mode such that the pressure-mitigation device operatesas described with respect to FIG. 5A, and then change the mode ofoperation to a normally inflated mode such that the pressure-mitigationdevice operates as described with respect to FIG. 5B. Thus, thepressure-mitigation apparatuses disclosed herein can shift the locationof the main pressure point by controllably inflating the chambers,controllably deflating the chambers, or a combination thereof.

Selected Embodiments of Controller Devices

FIGS. 6A-6C are isometric, front, and back views, respectively, of acontroller device 600 (also referred to as “the controller 600”) forinitiating chamber inflation and/or deflation of a pressure-mitigationdevice in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Forexample, the controller 600 can be coupled to the pressure-mitigationapparatuses 100, 200, 300 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-3 tocontrol the pressure within the chambers 106, 206, 306. The controller600 can manage the pressure in each chamber of a pressure-mitigationapparatus by controllably driving one or more pumps. In someembodiments, a single pump is fluidically connected to all the chamberssuch that the pump is responsible for directing fluid flow to and/orfrom multiple chambers. In other embodiments, the controller 600 iscoupled to two or more pumps, each of which can be fluidically coupledto a single chamber to drive inflation/deflation of that chamber. Inother embodiments, the controller 600 is coupled to at least one pumpthat is fluidically coupled to two or more chambers and/or at least onepump that is fluidically coupled to a single chamber. The pump(s) canreside within the same housing as the controller itself such that thesystem is easily transportable. Alternatively, the one or more pumps mayreside in a housing separate from the controller.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the controller 600 can include a housing 602 inwhich internal components (e.g. those described below with respect toFIG. 7) reside and a handle 604 connected to the housing 602. In someembodiments the handle 604 is fixedly secured to the housing 602 in apredetermined orientation, while in other embodiments the handle 604 ispivotably secured to the housing 602. For example, the handle 604 may beconfigured to rotate about a hinge connected to the housing betweenmultiple positions. The hinge may be one of a pair of hinges connectedto the housing 602 along opposing lateral sides. In some embodiments,the controller device 600 can include cord retention mechanism 607 thatis attached to or integrated with the housing 606. Cords (e.g.,electrical cords), tubes, and/or other elongated structures associatedwith the system can be wrapped around or otherwise supported by the cordretention mechanism 607. Thus, the cord retention mechanism 607 canprovide strain relief and retention of the power cord and, in certainembodiments, can also provide a flexible flange that retains the powercord plug.

As further shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the controller 600 may include aconnection mechanism 612 that allows the housing 602 to be securely, yetreleasably, attached to a structure (e.g., of a mobile cart, bedframe,rail, table). In the illustrated embodiment, the connection mechanism612 is a mounting hook that allows for single hand operation and isadjustable to allow for attachment to mounting surfaces with variousthicknesses. In some embodiments, the controller device 600 can includean integrated intravenous (IV) pole clamp 613 that eases attachment ofthe controller device 600 to IV poles. The IV pole clamp may provide forquick activation and can be self-centering with the use of a singleactivation mechanism (e.g., knob or button).

In some embodiments, the housing 602 includes one or more mechanicalinput components 606 for providing instructions to the controller 600.The input components 606 may include one or more knobs (e.g., as shownin FIGS. 6A-6C), dials, buttons, levers, and/or other actuationmechanisms. An operator can interact with the one or more inputcomponents 606 to alter airflow provided to the pressure-mitigationapparatus, discharge air from the pressure-mitigation apparatus, ordisconnect the controller 600 from the pressure-mitigation apparatus(e.g., by disconnecting the controller 600 from tubing connected betweenthe controller 600 and the pressure-mitigation apparatus).

As further described below, the controller 600 can be configured toinflate and/or deflate the individual chambers of a pressure-mitigationapparatus in a predetermined pattern. In some embodiments at least onepressure device (e.g., an air pump) resides in the housing 602 of thecontroller 600, while in other embodiments the controller 600 isfluidically connected to at least one pressure device. For example, thehousing 602 may include a first fluid interface through which fluid isreceived from pressure device(s) and a second fluid interface throughwhich fluid is directed to the pressure-mitigation apparatus.Multi-channel tubing may be connected to one or both of these fluidinterfaces. For example, multi-channel tubing may be connected betweenthe first fluid interface of the controller 600 and multiple pressuredevices. As another example, multi-channel tubing may be connectedbetween the second fluid interface of the controller 600 and multiplevalves of the pressure-mitigation apparatus. Here, the controller 600includes a fluid interface 608 designed to interface with amulti-channel tubing. In some embodiments the multi-channel tubingpermits unidirectional fluid flow, while in other embodiments themulti-channel tubing permits bidirectional fluid flow. Thus, fluidreturning from the pressure-mitigation apparatus (e.g., as part of adischarge process) may travel back to the controller 600 through thesecond fluid interface. By controlling the exhaust of fluid returningfrom the pressure-mitigation apparatus, the controller 600 can activelymanage noise created during use.

By monitoring the connection with the fluid interface 608, thecontroller 600 may be able to detect which type of pressure-mitigationapparatus has been connected. Each type of pressure-mitigation apparatusmay include a different type of connector. For example, thepressure-mitigation apparatus designed for elongated support surfaces(e.g., pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1A-B) may include afirst arrangement of magnets in its connector, while thepressure-mitigation apparatus designed for non-elongated supportsurfaces (e.g., pressure-mitigation apparatus of FIGS. 2A-B) may includea second arrangement of magnets in its connector. The controller 600 mayinclude one or more sensor(s) arranged near the fluid interface 608 fordetecting whether magnets are located within a specified proximity. Thecontroller 600 may automatically determine, based on which magnets havebeen detected by the sensor(s), which type of pressure-mitigationapparatus is connected. For example, pressure-mitigation devices mayhave different geometries, layouts, and/or dimensions suitable forvarious different patient positions (e.g., supine, prone, sitting), thesupport surface on which they are designed to reside (e.g., wheelchair,bed, recliner, surgical table), and/or patient characteristics (e.g.,indication, size), and the controller can be configured to automaticallydetect the type of pressure-mitigation device connected thereto. In someembodiments, the automatic detection is performed using other suitableidentification mechanisms, such as the controller device 600 reading anRFID tag or bar code on the pressure-mitigation device. As furtherdescribed below, the controller 600 can be configured to dynamicallyalter the pattern for inflating chambers based on which type ofpressure-mitigation apparatus is connected.

The controller 600 may also include a display 610 for displayinginformation related to the pressure-mitigation apparatus, the pattern ofinflations/deflations, the patient, etc. For example, the display 610may present an interface that specifies which type ofpressure-mitigation apparatus (e.g., pressure-mitigation apparatus 100,200, 300 of FIGS. 1A-3) is connected to the controller 600. Otherdisplay technologies could also be used to convey information to anoperator of the controller 600. In some embodiments, the controller 600includes a series of lights (e.g., light-emitting diodes) that arerepresentative of different statuses to provide visual alerts to theoperator or user. For example, a status light may provide a green visualindication if the controller 600 is presently providing therapy, ayellow visual indication if the controller 600 has been paused (i.e., isin a pause mode), a red visual indication if the controller 600 hasexperienced an issue (e.g., noncompliance of patient, patient notdetected on device) or requires maintenance (i.e., is in an alert mode),etc. These visual indications may dim upon the conclusion of a specifiedperiod of time or upon determining that the status has changed (e.g.,the pause mode is no longer active).

In some embodiments, the controller device 600 can also include a quickor rapid deflate function that allows a clinician to rapidly deflate allor a portion (e.g., the side chambers) of the pressure-mitigationdevice. This is a software solution provided by the controller device600 and activated via the display 610 (e.g., when configured as a userinterface with touchscreen buttons) and/or tactile actuators (e.g.,buttons) on the device. This rapid deflation, in particular thedeflation of the side pillows, is expected to be beneficial toclinicians when there is a need for quick access to the patient, such asto provide CPR.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating components of a controller 700 inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. The controller700 can include one or more processors 702, a communication module 704,an analysis module 706, a manifold 708, a memory 710, and/or a powercomponent 712 that is electrically coupled to a power interface 714.These components may reside within a housing (also referred to as a“structural body”), such as the controller device housing 602 describedabove with respect to FIGS. 6A-6C. In some embodiments, the controller700 can be incorporated in other housings or components of a pressuremitigation system, including being remotely coupled to apressure-mitigation device. Embodiments of the controller 700 caninclude any subset of the components shown in FIG. 7, as well asadditional components not illustrated here. For example, someembodiments of the controller 700 include a physical data interfacethrough which data can be transmitted to another computing device.Examples of physical data interfaces include Ethernet ports, UniversalSerial Bus (USB) ports, and proprietary ports.

The controller 700 may be connected to a pressure-mitigation apparatusthat includes a series of chambers whose pressure can be individuallyvaried. When the pressure-mitigation apparatus is placed between a humanbody and a support surface, the controller 700 can cause the pressure onan anatomical region of the human body to be varied by controllablyinflating one or more chambers, deflating one or more chambers, or anycombination thereof. Such action can be accomplished by the manifold708, which controls fluid flow to the series of chambers of thepressure-mitigation apparatus. The manifold 708 is further describedwith respect to FIGS. 8 and 9.

As further described below, transducers mounted in the manifold 708 cangenerate an electrical signal based on the pressure detected in thechambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus. Generally, each chamberis associated with a different fluid channel and a different transducer.Accordingly, if the manifold 708 is designed to facilitate fluid flow toa four-chamber pressure-mitigation apparatus, the manifold 708 mayinclude four fluid channels and four transducers. In some embodiments,the manifold 708 may include fewer than four fluid channels and/ortransducers or greater than four fluid channels and/or transducers.Pressure data representative of the values of the electrical signalsgenerated by the transducers can be stored, at least temporarily, in thememory 710. In some embodiments, the processor(s) 702 processes thepressure data prior to examination by the analysis module 706. Forexample, the processor(s) 702 may apply algorithms designed for temporalaligning, artifact removal, and the like.

By examining the pressure data in conjunction with flow datarepresentative of fluid flowing into the controller 700 from thepump(s), the analysis module 706 can control how the chambers of thepressure-mitigation apparatus are inflated and/or deflated. For example,the analysis module 706 may be responsible for separately controllingthe set point for fluid flow to each chamber.

Moreover, by examining the pressure data, the analysis module 706 may beable to sense movements of the human body under which thepressure-mitigation apparatus is positioned. These movements may becaused by the patient, another individual (e.g., a caregiver or anoperator of the controller 700), or the underlying support surface. Theanalysis module 706 may apply algorithm(s) to the data representative ofthese movements (also referred to as “movement data” or “motion data”)to identify repetitive movements and/or random movements to betterunderstand the health state of the patient. For example, the analysismodule 706 may be able to establish respiration rate or heart rate basedon the movements of a patient. Generally, the movement data can bederived from the pressure data. Consequently, the pressure-mitigationapparatus may not actually include any sensors for measuring movement,such as accelerometers, tilt sensors, or gyroscopes.

Following examination of the pressure data, the analysis module 706 mayrespond in several ways. For example, the analysis module 706 maygenerate a notification (e.g., an alert) to be transmitted to anothercomputing device by the communication module 704. The other computingdevice may be associated with a healthcare professional (e.g., aphysician or a nurse), a family member of the patient, or some otherentity (e.g., a researcher or an insurer). The communication module 704may communicate with the other computing device via a bi-directionalcommunication protocol, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), wirelessUSB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a cellular data protocol (e.g., LTE, 3G, 4G, or5G), or a proprietary point-to-point protocol. As another example, theanalysis module 706 may cause the pressure data (or analyses of suchdata) to be integrated with the electronic health record of the patient.Generally, the electronic health record is maintained in a storagemedium accessible to the communication module 704 across a network.

The controller 700 may include a power component 712 able to provide tothe other components residing within the housing, as necessary. Examplesof power components include rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries,rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, rechargeablenickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, etc. In some embodiments, thecontroller 700 does not include a power component, and thus must receivepower from an external source. In such embodiments, a cable designed tofacilitate the transmission of power (e.g., via a physical connection ofelectrical contacts) may be connected between the power interface 714 ofthe controller 700 and the external source. The external source may be,for example, an alternating current (AC) power socket or anotherelectronic device.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a manifold 800 for controlling fluid flow(e.g., air flow) to the chambers of a pressure-mitigation apparatus inaccordance with embodiments of the present technology. As describedabove, a controller can be configured to inflate and/or deflate thechambers of a pressure-mitigation apparatus. To accomplish this, themanifold 800 can guide fluid to the chambers through a series of valves802. In some embodiments, each valve 802 corresponds to a separatechamber of the pressure-mitigation apparatus. In some embodiments, atleast one valve 802 corresponds to multiple chambers of thepressure-mitigation apparatus. In some embodiments, at least one valve802 is not used during operation. For example, if thepressure-mitigation apparatus includes four chambers, multi-channeltubing may be connected between the pressure-mitigation apparatus andfour valves 802 of the manifold 800. In such embodiments, the othervalves may remain sealed during operation.

Generally, the valves 802 are piezoelectric valves designed to switchfrom one state (e.g., an open state) to another state (e.g., a closedstate) upon in response to an application of voltage. Piezoelectricvalves provide several benefits over other valves, such as linear valvesand solenoid-based valves. First, piezoelectric valves do not requireholding current to maintain a state. As such, piezoelectric valvesgenerate almost no heat. Second, piezoelectric valves create almost nonoise when switching between states, which can be particularly useful inmedical settings. Third, piezoelectric valves can be opened and closedin a controlled manner that allows the manifold 800 to preciselyapproach a given flow rate without overshoot or undershoot. In contrast,the other valves described above must be in either an open state, inwhich the valve is completely open, or a closed state, in which thevalve is completely closed. Fourth, piezoelectric valves require verylittle power to operate, so a power component of the controller (e.g.,power component 712 of FIG. 7) may only need to provide 3-6 watts to themanifold 800 at any given time. While embodiments of the manifold 800may be described in the context of piezoelectric valves, other types ofvalves, such as linear valves or solenoid-based valves, could be usedinstead of, or in addition to, piezoelectric valves.

Each piezoelectric valve includes at least one piezoelectric elementthat acts as an electromechanical transducer. When a voltage is appliedto the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric element is deformed,thereby resulting in mechanical motion (e.g., the opening or closing ofa valve). Examples of piezoelectric elements include disc transducers,bender actuators, and piezoelectric stacks.

In some embodiments, the manifold 800 includes one or more transducers806 and a circuit board 804 that includes one or more integratedcircuits (also referred to as “chips”) for managing communication withthe valves 802 and the transducer(s) 806. Because these local chip(s)reside within the manifold 800 itself, the valves 802 can be digitallycontrolled in a precise manner. The local chip(s) may also be connectedto other components of the controller. For example, the local chip(s)may be connected to processor(s) (e.g., processor(s) 702 of FIG. 7)housed within the controller. The transducer(s) 806, meanwhile, cangenerate an electrical signal based on the pressure of each chamber ofthe pressure-mitigation apparatus. Generally, each chamber is associatedwith a different valve 802 and a different transducer 806. Here, forexample, the manifold includes six valves 802 capable of interfacingwith the pressure-mitigation apparatus, and each of these valves isassociated with a corresponding transducer 802. Pressure datarepresentative of the values of the electrical signals generated by thetransducer(s) 806 can be provided to other components of the controllerfor further analysis.

The manifold 800 may also include one or more compressors. In someembodiments each valve 802 of the manifold 800 is fluidically coupled tothe same compressor, while in other embodiments each valve 802 of themanifold 800 is fluidically coupled to a different compressor. Eachcompressor can increase the pressure of fluid (e.g., air) by reducingits volume before guiding the fluid to the pressure-mitigationapparatus.

Fluid produced by a pump may initially be received by the manifold 800through one or more ingress fluid interfaces 808. As noted above, insome embodiments, a compressor may then increase pressure of the fluidby reducing its volume. Thereafter, the manifold 800 can controllablyguide the fluid into the chambers of a pressure-mitigation apparatusthrough the valves 802. The flow of fluid into each chamber can becontrolled by local chip(s) disposed on the circuit board 804. Forexample, the local chip(s) can dynamically vary the flow of fluid intoeach chamber in real time by controllably applying voltages toopen/close the valves 802.

In some embodiments, the manifold includes one or more egress fluidinterfaces 810. The egress fluid interface(s) 810 may be designed forhigh pressure and high flow to permit rapid deflation of thepressure-mitigation apparatus. For example, upon determining that anoperator has provided input indicative of a request to deflate thepressure-mitigation apparatus (or a portion thereof), the manifold 800may allow fluid to travel back though the valve(s) 802 from thepressure-mitigation apparatus and then out through the egress fluidinterface(s) 810. Thus, the egress fluid interface(s) 810 may also bereferred to as “exhausts” or “outlets.” To provide the input, theoperator may interact with a mechanical input component (e.g.,mechanical input component 606 of FIG. 6A) or a digital input component(e.g., visible on display 610 of FIG. 6A).

FIG. 9 is a generalized electrical diagram illustrating how thepiezoelectric valves 902 of a manifold can separately control fluid flowalong multiple channels in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. In FIG. 9, the manifold includes seven piezoelectric valves902. In other embodiments, the manifold may include less than sevenvalves or more than seven valves. Fluid can be guided by the manifoldthrough the piezoelectric valves 902 to the chambers of apressure-mitigation apparatus. In FIG. 9, the manifold 900 isfluidically connected to a pressure-mitigation apparatus that includesfive chambers. However, in other embodiments, the manifold 900 may befluidically connected to a pressure-mitigation apparatus that includesless than five chambers or more than five chambers.

All of the piezoelectric valves 902 included in the manifold need notnecessarily be identical to one another. Piezoelectric valves may bedesigned for high pressure and low flow, high pressure and high flow,low pressure and low flow, or low pressure and high flow. In someembodiments all of the piezoelectric valves included in the manifold arethe same type, while in other embodiments the manifold includes multipletypes of piezoelectric valves. For example, piezoelectric valve(s)corresponding to side supports of the pressure-mitigation apparatus maybe designed for high pressure and high flow (e.g., to allow for a quickdischarge of fluid), but piezoelectric valve(s) corresponding tochambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus may be designed for highpressure and low flow. Moreover, some piezoelectric valves may supportbidirectional fluid flow, while other piezoelectric valves may supportunidirectional fluid flow. Generally, if the manifold 900 includesunidirectional piezoelectric valves, each chamber in thepressure-mitigation apparatus is associated with a pair ofunidirectional piezoelectric valves to allow fluid flow in eitherdirection. Here, for example, Chambers 1-3 are associated with a singlebidirectional piezoelectric valve, Chamber 4 is associated with twobidirectional piezoelectric valves, and Chamber 5 is associated with twounidirectional piezoelectric valves.

The manifold of the controller can be configured to inflate and/ordeflate each chamber of a pressure-mitigation apparatus to achieve aspecified pressure value. FIG. 10 is a table summarizing illustrating asequence for inflating chambers in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. The table shown here corresponds to the diagram ofFIG. 9. Accordingly, Chamber 1 (C1), Chamber 2 (C2), and Chamber 3 (C3)correspond to the geometric arrangement of chambers to be positionedbeneath various portions of a human body (e.g., a sacral region, a backregion, an abdominal region), Chamber 4 (C4) corresponds to the sidesupport(s), and Chamber 5 (C5) corresponds to a chamber that extendsunder at least a portion of the legs of the human body to relievepressure along the legs and/or feet (e.g., lift the heels of the humanbody positioned thereon).

Each value associated with a chamber (i.e., C1-C5) corresponds to agiven pressure value. For example, in step 1, the controller causes C1to be pressurized to 30 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), C2 to bepressurized to 45 mmHg, C3 to be pressurized to 30 mmHg, and so on. Eachstep may require that the pressure of each chamber be held substantiallyconstant for a specified duration (e.g., 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60seconds 90) before proceeding on to the next step. Each step may have anequal duration of 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds, or 120seconds, and in other embodiments, certain steps may have differingdurations. Steps may have a duration shorter than 15 seconds or longerthan 120 seconds. In some embodiments, only some of these steps areperformed. For example, step 0 may only be performed if the controlleris connected to an elongated pressure-mitigation apparatus (e.g.,pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1A-B).

As described above, the controller can be configured to detect whichtype of pressure-mitigation apparatus has been connected to thecontroller (and thus how many chambers need to be controlled). If thecontroller discovers that the pressure-mitigation apparatus includesless than five chambers, the controller can dynamically alter thepattern by disabling the valve(s) corresponding to whichever chamber(s)are not present. For example, if the controller determines that thepressure-mitigation apparatus does not include side supports, thecontroller may disable the valve(s) associated with C4.

The pressure level of a given chamber may be automatically offset by thecontroller based on input manually provided by an operator and/or inputautomatically acquired by the controller. For example, the pressurelevel of the individual chambers can be offset depending on the weightof the patient supported by the pressure-mitigation apparatus, theposition of the patient when supported by the pressure-mitigationapparatus (e.g., seated, reclined, supine, or prone), the surface onwhich the pressure-mitigation apparatus is positioned (e.g., stiff orflexible), and/or other characteristics of the patient and/or thesupport surface that may affect the pressure imparted onto the patient.These parameters can be input into the controller (e.g., via thecontroller device 600 of FIGS. 6A-6C) and/or detected via thepressure-mitigation system. For example, the pressure-mitigation systemcan detect the patient's weight and/or position on thepressure-mitigation device by remote pressure monitoring of the chambersand/or detect the type of pressure-mitigation device operably coupled tothe controller device. Table I includes several examples of offsets thatmay be applied by the controller. In some embodiments, these offsets maybe combined depending upon the characteristics of the patient and thepressure-mitigation device, and this offset can be incorporated into thepressure mitigation inflation protocol.

TABLE I Examples of offsets that may be automatically applied by thecontroller on behalf of an operator. Offset Table Bed +5 mmHg Chair +7mmHg 0-45 kilogram (kg) −8 mmHg 45-57 kg −6 mmHg 57-68 kg −4 mmHg 68-80kg −2 mmHg 80-91 kg   0 mmHg  91-102 kg +2 mmHg 102-113 kg +4 mmHg113-125 kg +6 mmHg 125-136 kg +8 mmHg 136-181 kg +10 mmHg 

Chambers may be inflated/deflated for a predetermined duration of 15-180seconds (e.g., 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 120 seconds, 150seconds, or any duration therebetween) and to a predetermined pressurelevel from 0-100 mmHg (e.g., 15 mmHg, 20 mmHg, 30 mmHg, 45 mmHg, 50mmHg, or any pressure level therebetween). In other embodiments, theduration of inflation may be longer or shorter and/or the pressurelevels may be lower or higher. In some embodiments, the inflationpattern administered by the controller inflates/deflates two or morechambers at one time. In these embodiments, the chambers can beinflated/deflated to the same or different pressure levels, and theduration that the chambers are maintained at the pressure levels may bethe same or different. In other embodiments, the controller can applydifferent inflation/deflation patterns to the individual chambers.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a process 1100 for varying pressure inchambers of a pressure-mitigation apparatus positioned between a humanbody and a support surface in accordance with embodiments of the presenttechnology. By varying the pressure in the chambers, a controller canmove the main point of pressure applied by the support surface acrossthe human body. For example, the main point of pressure applied by thesupport surface to the human body may be moved amongst a plurality ofpredetermined locations by sequentially varying the pressure indifferent predetermined subsets of inflatable chambers.

Initially, a controller can determine that a pressure-mitigationapparatus has been connected to the controller (step 1101). Bymonitoring the connection between a fluid interface (e.g., fluidinterface 608 of FIG. 6B) and the pressure-mitigation apparatus, thecontroller can detect which type of pressure-mitigation apparatus hasbeen connected. In some embodiments, each type of pressure-mitigationapparatus may include a different type of connector. For example, thepressure-mitigation apparatus designed for elongated support surfaces(e.g., pressure-mitigation apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1A-B) may include afirst arrangement of magnets in its connector, while thepressure-mitigation apparatus designed for non-elongated supportsurfaces (e.g., pressure-mitigation apparatus of FIGS. 2A-B) may includea second arrangement of magnets in its connector. The controller maydetermine which type of pressure-mitigation apparatus has been connectedbased on which magnets have been detected within a specified proximity.As another example, the pressure-mitigation apparatus designed forelongated support surfaces may include a beacon capable of emitting afirst electronic signature, while the pressure-mitigation apparatusdesigned for non-elongated support surfaces may include a beacon capableof emitting a second electronic signature. Examples of beacons includeBluetooth beacons, USB beacons, and infrared beacons. A beacon may beconfigured to communicate with the controller via a wired communicationchannel or a wireless communication channel.

The controller can then identify a pattern corresponding to thepressure-mitigation apparatus (step 1102). For example, the controllermay examine a library of patterns corresponding to differentpressure-mitigation apparatuses to identify the appropriate pattern. Thelibrary of patterns may be stored in a local memory (e.g., memory 710 ofFIG. 7) or a remote memory accessible to the controller across anetwork. As another example, the controller may modify an existingpattern based on the pressure-mitigation apparatus. For instance, thecontroller may alter the existing pattern responsive to determining thatthe pattern includes instructions for more chambers than thepressure-mitigation apparatus includes. The controller can then causethe chambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus to be inflated inaccordance with the pattern (step 1103). More specifically, thecontroller can cause the pressure on one or more anatomical regions ofthe human body to be varied by controllably inflating one or morechambers, deflating one or more chambers, or any combination thereof.

The controller may receive input indicative of a request to initiate adeflation procedure (step 1104). In some embodiments, the input isassociated with an instruction that is manually provided by an operator(e.g., as a result of an interaction with a mechanical input componentor a digital input component). For example, the operator may requestthat the deflation procedure be initiated before the patient istransferred to/from the pressure-mitigation apparatus. As anotherexample, the operator may request that the deflation procedure beinitiated before a medical procedure (e.g., cardiopulmonaryresuscitation or defibrillation) involving the patient is performed. Inother embodiments, the input is associated with an instruction that isautomatically generated by the controller. The controller mayautomatically generate the instruction in response to a specifiedcriterion being satisfied. For example, the controller may automaticallygenerate the instruction when the pressure in a chamber or a sidesupport of the pressure-mitigation apparatus exceeds an upper threshold.

Thereafter, the controller can cause deflation of a chamber, a sidesupport, or any combination thereof (step 1105). More specifically, thecontroller may instruct a manifold (e.g., manifold 800 of FIG. 8) tostop supplying fluid to at least a portion of the pressure-mitigationapparatus and/or open the valve(s) corresponding to the portion of thepressure-mitigation apparatus to allow fluid to escape thepressure-mitigation apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a process 1200 for establishingcharacteristics of the human body supported by a pressure-mitigationapparatus without placing any sensors in direct contact with the humanbody in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Steps1201-1203 of FIG. 12 may be at least generally similar to steps1101-1103 of FIG. 11.

As described above, the controller responsible for managinginflation/deflation of the pressure-mitigation apparatus may includetransducer(s) configured to generate an electrical signal based on thepressure of each chamber of the pressure-mitigation apparatus.Accordingly, the controller may acquire pressure data representative ofthe values of the electrical signals generated by the transducer(s)(step 1204). The controller can then examine the pressure data toidentify movement(s) of the human body (step 1205). In some embodiments,the controller can transmit some or all of the pressure data to a remotelocation (e.g., a central server) for processing or analytics. Byconstantly monitoring pressures of the chambers of thepressure-mitigation apparatus, the controller can interpret informationregarding the movement/location of the human body without requiring theuse of sensors in direct contact with the human body.

The monitoring of patient movement via the remote pressure monitoringcan be used as an indicator of the patient's mobility status and/or theoverall health status of the patient, as well as identify periods ofcomplete immobility, which may indicate a associated with patientmovement can also indicate a decline in patient health status or apotential health complication. Remote pressure monitoring can alsodetect when a patient leaves the bed, chair, or other surface on whichthe patient-mitigation devices is disposed, and in some embodiments,respond to this movement with an alert or alarm provided locally or to aremote location (e.g., to a caregiver) to draw attention to thismovement. This allows patient caregivers to assist when the patient isambulatory to avoid falls and/or identify falls from the support surfacein real time. The remote pressure monitoring data can also be used todetermine whether the patient is properly using the device, whether heor she is properly positioned on the pressure-mitigation surface,whether the patient is complying with the prescribed protocol. Based onthis information, alerts or alarms transmitted to a remote systemaccessible by a hospital, caregiver, and/or other individuals involvedwith the patient's care. The real-time monitoring and analysis of datacan provide accurate alarms to alert caregivers, management, and otherswhen the patient is not compliant with the protocol and/or improperlyusing the device (e.g., positioned incorrectly), thereby promotingappropriate usage and enhancing the benefit of the pressure mitigationsystem.

The controller (or some other electronic device, such as a mobile phone,laptop computer, or computer server) can estimate a characteristic ofthe human body based on the pressure data, the movement(s), or anycombination thereof (step 1206). For example, the controller may be ableto estimate the weight of the human body by examining the pressure datain conjunction with flow data representative of fluid flowing into thecontroller (e.g., from one or more pumps). As another example, thecontroller may be able to estimate the respiration rate or heart rate ofthe human body based on the movements. Accordingly, the controller maybe able to understand certain aspects of the health state of the humanbody, such as mobility state, in a noninvasive manner.

Unless contrary to physical possibility, it is envisioned that the stepsdescribed above may be performed in various sequences and combinations.For example, the controller may be configured to perform the process1100 of FIG. 11 and the process 1200 of FIG. 12 simultaneously. Othersteps may also be included in some embodiments. For example, thecontroller may cause a notification to be transmitted to anothercomputing device in certain situations (e.g., upon discovering movementindicative of discomfort in a specified anatomical region of the humanbody, movement indicative of an attempt to leave the pressure-mitigationapparatus, or a complete lack of movement for a specified period oftime).

Selected Embodiments of Pressure-Mitigation Systems

FIG. 13 is a partially schematic side view of a pressure-mitigationsystem 1300 (or simply “system”) for orienting an individual 1302 over apressure-mitigation apparatus 1306 in accordance with embodiments of thepresent technology. The system 1300 can include a pressure-mitigationapparatus 1306 that include side supports 1308, an attachment apparatus1304, a pressure device 1314, and a controller 1312. As shown in FIG.10, the attachment apparatus 1304 may be responsible for securing thepressure-mitigation apparatus 1306 to the support surface 1316. Furtherexamples of the attachment apparatus are discussed in detail withrespect to FIGS. 1-3, and further examples of the pressure-mitigationapparatus are discussed in detail with respect to FIGS. 4A-6.

In this embodiment, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306 includes apair of optional elevated side supports 1308 that extend longitudinallyalong opposing sides of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306. Thepressure-mitigation apparatus 1306 includes a series of chambersinterconnected on a base material. As further described above, thechambers may be arranged in a geometric pattern designed to mitigate thepressure applied to a specific anatomical region by the support surface1316.

The elevated side supports 1308 can be configured to actively orient thespecific anatomical region of the individual 1302 over the series ofchambers. For example, the elevated side supports 1308 may beresponsible for actively orienting the specific anatomical regionwidthwise over the epicenter of the geometric pattern. As shown in FIG.10, the specific anatomical region may be the sacral region. However,the specific anatomical region could be any region of the body that issusceptible to pressure, and thus the formation of pressure ulcers. Theelevated side supports 1308 may be configured to be ergonomicallycomfortable. For example, the elevated side supports 1308 may include arecess designed to accommodate the forearm, which permits pressure to beoffloaded from the elbow.

The elevated side supports 1308 may be significantly larger in size ascompared to the chambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306.Accordingly, the elevated side supports 1308 may create a barrier thatrestricts lateral movement of the individual 1302. In some embodiments,the elevated side supports are approximately 2-3 inches taller in heightas compared to the average height of an inflated chamber. Because theelevated side supports 1306 straddle the individual 1302, the elevatedside supports 1308 can act as barriers for maintaining the position ofthe individual 1302 on top of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306. Insome embodiments, the elevated side supports 1308 may be omitted.

In some embodiments, the inner side walls of the elevated side supports1308 form, following inflation, a firm surface at a steep angle oforientation with respect to the pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306. Forexample, the inner side walls may be on a plane of approximately 115degrees, plus or minus 24 degrees, from the plane of thepressure-mitigation apparatus 1306. These steep inner side walls canform a channel that naturally positions the individual 1302 over thechambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306. Thus, inflation ofthe elevated side supports 1308 may actively force the individual 1302into the appropriate position for mitigating pressure by orienting theindividual 1302 in the correct location with respect to the chambers ofthe pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306.

After the initial inflation cycle has been completed, the pressure ofeach elevated side support 1308 may be lessened to increase comfort andprevent excessive force against the lateral sides of the individual1302. Oftentimes a medical professional (e.g., a physician, nurse, orcaregiver) will be present during the initial inflation cycle to ensurethe elevated side supports 1308 properly position the individual 1302over the pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306.

The controller 1312 can be configured to regulate the pressure of eachchamber included in the pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306 and/or eachelevated side support 1308 via a pressure device 1314 (e.g., an airpump) and multi-channel tubing 1310. For example, the chambers may becontrolled in a specific pattern to preserve blood flow and reducepressure applied to the individual 1302 when inflated (pressurized) anddeflated (depressurized) in a coordinated fashion by the controller1312. The multi-channel tubing 1310 may be connected between thepressure-mitigation apparatus 1306 and the pressure device 1314.Accordingly, the pressure-mitigation apparatus 1306 may be fluidicallycoupled to a first end of the multi-channel tubing 1310, and thepressure device 1314 may be fluidically coupled to a second end of themulti-channel tubing 1310.

Processing System

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a processing system 1400 inwhich at least some operations described herein can be implemented. Forexample, some components of the processing system 1400 may be hosted ona controller (e.g., controller 1312 of FIG. 13) responsible forcontrolling a pressure-mitigation apparatus (e.g., pressure-mitigationapparatus 1306 of FIG. 13).

The processing system 1400 may include one or more central processingunits (“processors”) 1402, main memory 1406, non-volatile memory 1410,network adapter 1412 (e.g., network interface), video display 1418,input/output devices 1420, control device 1422 (e.g., keyboard andpointing devices), drive unit 1424 including a storage medium 1426, andsignal generation device 1430 that are communicatively connected to abus 1416. The bus 1416 is illustrated as an abstraction that representsone or more physical buses and/or point-to-point connections that areconnected by appropriate bridges, adapters, or controllers. The bus1416, therefore, can include a system bus, a Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) bus or PCI-Express bus, a HyperTransport or industrystandard architecture (ISA) bus, a small computer system interface(SCSI) bus, a universal serial bus (USB), IIC (I2C) bus, or an Instituteof Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 1394 bus (alsoreferred to as “Firewire”).

The processing system 1400 may share a similar computer processorarchitecture as that of a desktop computer, tablet computer, personaldigital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, game console, music player,wearable electronic device (e.g., a watch or fitness tracker),network-connected (“smart”) device (e.g., a television or home assistantdevice), virtual/augmented reality systems (e.g., a head-mounteddisplay), or another electronic device capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify action(s) to betaken by the processing system 1400.

While the main memory 1406, non-volatile memory 1410, and storage medium1426 (also called a “machine-readable medium”) are shown to be a singlemedium, the term “machine-readable medium” and “storage medium” shouldbe taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized/distributed database and/or associated caches and servers)that store one or more sets of instructions 1428. The term“machine-readable medium” and “storage medium” shall also be taken toinclude any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying aset of instructions for execution by the processing system 1400.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thedisclosure may be implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module, or sequence ofinstructions (collectively referred to as “computer programs”). Thecomputer programs typically comprise one or more instructions (e.g.,instructions 1404, 1408, 1428) set at various times in various memoryand storage devices in a computing device. When read and executed by theone or more processors 1402, the instruction(s) cause the processingsystem 1400 to perform operations to execute elements involving thevarious aspects of the disclosure.

Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computing devices, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the various embodiments are capable of being distributed as aprogram product in a variety of forms. The disclosure applies regardlessof the particular type of machine or computer-readable media used toactually effect the distribution.

Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readablemedia, or computer-readable media include recordable-type media such asvolatile and non-volatile memory devices 1410, floppy and otherremovable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact DiskRead-Only Memory (CD-ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs)), andtransmission-type media such as digital and analog communication links.

The network adapter 1412 enables the processing system 1400 to mediatedata in a network 1414 with an entity that is external to the processingsystem 1400 through any communication protocol supported by theprocessing system 1400 and the external entity. The network adapter 1412can include a network adaptor card, a wireless network interface card, arouter, an access point, a wireless router, a switch, a multilayerswitch, a protocol converter, a gateway, a bridge, bridge router, a hub,a digital media receiver, and/or a repeater.

The network adapter 1412 may include a firewall that governs and/ormanages permission to access/proxy data in a computer network, andtracks varying levels of trust between different machines and/orapplications. The firewall can be any number of modules having anycombination of hardware and/or software components able to enforce apredetermined set of access rights between a particular set of machinesand applications, machines and machines, and/or applications andapplications (e.g., to regulate the flow of traffic and resource sharingbetween these entities). The firewall may additionally manage and/orhave access to an access control list that details permissions includingthe access and operation rights of an object by an individual, amachine, and/or an application, and the circumstances under which thepermission rights stand.

The techniques introduced here can be implemented by programmablecircuitry (e.g., one or more microprocessors), software and/or firmware,special-purpose hardwired (i.e., non-programmable) circuitry, or acombination of such forms. Special-purpose circuitry can be in the formof one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs),programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), etc.

CONCLUSION

The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise formdisclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, thetechnology are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technologyas those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example,although steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodimentsmay perform steps in a different order. The various embodimentsdescribed herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or describedin detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of theembodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular orplural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively.

Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only asingle item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of twoor more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpretedas including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items inthe list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally,the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least therecited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same featureand/or additional types of other features are not precluded. It willalso be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be madewithout deviating from the technology. Further, while advantagesassociated with certain embodiments of the technology have beendescribed in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments mayalso exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarilyexhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology.Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompassother embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

1. A controller comprising: a structural body that includes— an ingressinterface fluidically coupled to a pump, and a first egress interfacefluidically coupled to a pressure-mitigation apparatus disposed betweena human body and a surface, wherein the pressure-mitigation apparatusincludes a plurality of chambers; a processor; and a memory thatincludes instructions for regulating a flow of air provided by the pumpto inflate the plurality of chambers of the pressure-mitigationapparatus in a controlled manner, wherein the instructions, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the processor to: determine that thepressure-mitigation apparatus is connected to the first egressinterface, identify a programmable pattern corresponding to thepressure-mitigation apparatus, and cause the plurality of chambers ofthe pressure-mitigation apparatus to be inflated to varying degrees inaccordance with the programmable pattern, thereby shifting a point ofcontact pressure applied by the surface to the human body over time. 2.The controller of claim 1 wherein the structural body further includes asecond egress interface through which air can be discharged into anambient environment.
 3. The controller of claim 1 further comprising: amanifold that includes— a plurality of valves, wherein each valve isconfigured to regulate airflow into a corresponding chamber of theplurality of chambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus, and aplurality of transducers, wherein each transducer is configured tomonitor pressure of a corresponding chamber of the plurality of chambersof the pressure-mitigation apparatus.
 4. The controller of claim 1wherein the first egress interface includes a plurality of channels, andwherein each chamber of the plurality of chambers of thepressure-mitigation apparatus corresponds to a different channel of theplurality of channels.
 5. The controller of claim 1 further comprising:a mechanical input component operatively coupled to the processor,wherein upon receiving input indicative of an interaction with themechanical input component, the processor is configured to identify anappropriate instruction for regulating the flow of air.
 6. Thecontroller of claim 1 further comprising: a display configured topresent information related to the flow of air, the pressure-mitigationapparatus, an individual presently undergoing treatment, or anycombination thereof.
 7. The controller of claim 1 wherein, upondeployment of the pressure-mitigation apparatus, the processor causesthe plurality of chambers to be in a naturally inflated state.
 8. Thecontroller of claim 7 wherein the processor is configured to mitigatecontact pressure on an anatomical region of the human body in accordancewith the programmable pattern, and wherein the programmable patterncauses contact pressure on the anatomical region to be lessened byprompting the processor to cause deflation of at least one chamberpositioned beneath the anatomical region.
 9. The controller of claim 1wherein, upon deployment of the pressure-mitigation apparatus, theprocessor causes the plurality of chambers to be in a naturally deflatedstate.
 10. The controller of claim 9 wherein the processor is configuredto mitigate contact pressure on an anatomical region of the human bodyin accordance with the programmable pattern, and wherein theprogrammable pattern causes contact pressure on the anatomical region tobe lessened by prompting the processor to cause inflation of at leastone chamber positioned adjacent to the anatomical region.
 11. A manifoldcomprising: an ingress interface fluidically coupled to a pump; aplurality of piezoelectric valves through which air can be delivered toa plurality of chambers of a pressure-mitigation apparatus, wherein eachpiezoelectric valve is associated with a discrete airflow destined for acorresponding chamber of the pressure-mitigation apparatus; a pluralityof transducers configured to monitor pressure of the plurality ofchambers of the pressure-mitigation apparatus, wherein each transduceris configured to generate an electrical signal based on the pressure ofa corresponding chamber of the pressure-mitigation apparatus; and aprocessor configured to: examine data representative of the electricalsignals generated by the plurality of transducers, and control theplurality of piezoelectric valves based on the data.
 12. The manifold ofclaim 11 further comprising: an egress interface through which air canbe discharged into an ambient environment.
 13. The manifold of claim 11further comprising: a compressor configured to pressurize air receivedfrom the pump before delivery to the plurality of chambers of thepressure-mitigation apparatus via the plurality of piezoelectric valves.14. The manifold of claim 11 wherein at least one piezoelectric valve isa bidirectional valve that permits airflow in multiple directions. 15.The manifold of claim 11 wherein at least one piezoelectric valve is aunidirectional valve that only permits airflow in a single direction.16. The manifold of claim 11 wherein the manifold resides within acontroller, and wherein the processor is further configured to transmitat least some of the data to another processor housed within thecontroller for further examination. 17-28. (canceled)